SINGAPORE : 202 athletes in 19 sports will don Singapore’s colours in this year’s SEA Games in Laos in December.
The Singapore National Olympic Council (SNOC) released the preliminary list on Friday.
With only 25 sports being contested, Singapore is expected to bring back fewer than the 43 gold medals won in the last Games in Korat, Thailand in 2007.
Like the past two SEA Games, Singapore will again field young athletes — this time in preparation for the 2010 Youth Olympic Games.
But with bowling and sailing not part of the line—up, Singapore’s medal chances will be affected. And while swimming is expected to lead the charge, there are other bright spots.
"We’ve got boxing back on track. Boxing has brought Singapore a lot of medals and glory in the early days and we’ve got some athletes from boxing who we think will be there competing," said Chris Chan, secretary general of SNOC.
For the first time, Singapore will send a wrestling team — which is expected to do well.
The National Sports Associations will have a week to appeal, with the final list to be announced a month before the games.
Meanwhile, Chef—de—Mission for the games, Jessie Phua, who is also president of Singapore Bowling, is ensuring that the lack of proper facilities in Laos will not hamper Team Singapore’s performance.
"The sports council has more or less confirmed that we will set up a Singapore House, which will house the recovery centre and medical centre. We are also looking into contingency plans — for instance in the event of a medical care of a higher level being required, if there are evacuation procedures," said Phua, Chef—de—Mission of Team Singapore, SEA Games 2009.
This will be the first time Laos is staging the SEA Games, which will run from December 9—18. — CNA /ls
